A Former CINO (Catholic In Name Only) gradually learns and accepts the whole Magisterium Truth and Nothing but the Truth

January 02, 2009

St. Hildegard of Bingen: Patron Saint for 2009

I took Angela up on her, kind and generous, offer to pick a 2009 Patron Saint for me. For me, the intent is, not to replace, St. Catherine of Alexandria, or any other Saint for that matter, but to take an opportunity to learn more about a Saint, to specifically ask for their prayers and intercession in 2009.

Angela assigned me: St. Hildegard (Hildegaard) of Bingen!!!

I approached the 2009 Patron Saint process, as I apprach many things, as an opportunity to pick something I could learn more about. In this case, I could learn more about a specific Saint and take an opportunity to enhance my spiritual life.

Well, both Angela and I thought St. Hidegard was really appropriate for me! I think we both squeled! It so happens I'm already a fan of St. Hildegard! I've lightly studied her before. I considered her as Confirmation Saint but went with St. Catherine of Alexandria instead.

In an astounding coincidence, I was at Leaflet Missal over a month ago and I was looking for some Advent reading. It occured to me I should see if they had anything by St. Hildegard in-stock. I found the LAST copy on the shelf of her Scivias. I bought it and I'm looking forward to reading it.

St. Hildegard's Feast Day is September 17th.

Look for more from me on St. Hildegard in 2009.

Thanks Angela!

In the meantime, here's a taste of Saint Hildegard's writings. It very much sounds like it should be a "mission statement" for my blog.

‘O weak mortal, both ash of ash and rottenness of rottenness, say and write what you see and hear. But because you are fearful in speaking and simple in explaining and unlearned in writing these things, say and write them not according to human speech nor the understanding of human creativity nor according to the will of human composition, but according to this rule: that you reveal by interpreting the things you see and hear among heavenly matters from above, in the wonders of God, just as also a hearer receiving his teacher’s words makes them known according to the tenor of his speech, as he wishes, shows, and teaches. So then you also, o mortal — speak the things you see and hear; and write them not according to yourself or any other person, but according to the will of the One Who knows, sees, and disposes all things in the hidden places of his mysteries.’

Happy New Year!Nice pick on St. Hildegard (Hildegaard) of Bingen. A few years ago there was a lady at the local homeschool conference who had written a book on St. Hildegard. She offered a workshop on how to incorporate St. Hildegard into your homeschool curriculum. Went to the workshop and the lady was all jazzed to have this very small group of us sing...except I don't really sing, so the silence when asked to sing by most of the room was very awkward. Too had, would've liked to have learned more about the saint - many of us left because the entire talk got bogged down in the (silent!) singing.